A plane carrying 60 passengers and four crew members crashed into the Potomac River in the US shortly after 9pm local time at the Ronald Reagan National Airport
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Washington plane crash: Webcam shows midair collision
Shocking footage has emerged showing the moment a small American Airlines plane exploded mid-flight near Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington DC on Wednesday evening.
The small American Airlines aircraft, believed to be carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, plunged into the Potomac River in the nation’s capital just after 9pm local time, following a collision with a US army Blackhawk helicopter.
Shortly after, fireboats were seen rushing to the scene, accompanied by vehicles carrying first responders and investigators from various agencies, including the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Amidst the rescue operation, the Federal Aviation Administration suspended all takeoffs and landings at the domestic airport, with the grounding order remaining in place until at least 10.30pm.
The chilling video, captured by an observation camera near the Kennedy Center, shows two sets of lights, consistent with two aircraft, merging into a massive fireball in the sky before both plummet to the ground – or, in the case of the plane, into the Potomac, reports the Mirror US.
It was later confirmed that a Blackhawk military helicopter carrying three soldiers – whose conditions are currently unknown – collided with a regional jet operated by American Airlines en route to Washington from Wichita, Kansas.
The commercial flight had been preparing to land at Reagan National Airport.. Amid the unfolding crisis, authorities fear numerous fatalities from the devastating collision.
Initially, the airport posted on X that the terminal was operational while emergency responders addressed an “aircraft incident on the airfield.”
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Subsequently, American Airlines acknowledged the incident in a statement, noting, “We’re aware of reports that American Eagle flight 5342, operated by PSA, with service from Wichita, Kansas (ICT) to Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA) has been involved in an incident. We will provide information as it becomes available.”
Following being briefed, President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance are closely observing the situation, as confirmed by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt to Fox News. Vance took to X to ask for prayers, saying, “Please say a prayer for everyone involved in the mid-air collision near Reagan airport this evening. We’re monitoring the situation, but for now let’s hope for the best.”
In the wake of the incident, multiple flights have been rerouted to Washington-Baltimore International Airport. Notably, a reporter from the Washington Post found their flight diverted.
NBC News has reported that four individuals were rescued from the water, though their conditions remain unknown. Fears persist that others may still be confined within the aircraft’s cabin.
Emergency officials are working to determine the exact cause and consequences of the crash. They stated that they are expecting a significant number of fatalities from the crash.
The airport initially took to X and wrote that the terminal remained open while the authorities responded to “an aircraft incident on the airfield.” American Airlines later wrote in a statement, “We’re aware of reports that American Eagle flight 5342, operated by PSA, with service from Wichita, Kansas (ICT) to Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA) has been involved in an incident. We will provide information as it becomes available.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News that President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance were both briefed on the situation and were monitoring it.
Vance was quick to ask for prayers on X, writing, “Please say a prayer for everyone involved in the mid-air collision near Reagan airport this evening. We’re monitoring the situation, but for now let’s hope for the best.”
Some flights have reportedly been diverted to Washington-Baltimore International Airport Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who has just taken office this week, took to social media to announce that he was “at the FAA HQ and closely monitoring the situation.”
The drama unfolded in the moments before the aircraft’s landing, with AP reporting that air traffic controllers had inquired whether the incoming commercial jet could manage a landing on the shorter Runway 33 at the airport. The pilots confirmed their ability to do so, leading controllers to give the green light for landing, with the plane commencing its descent shortly after.
Tragically, the crash occurred just moments later.
Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser responded to the incident by expressing that her prayers “are with everyone involved” and assured the public that her office would “continue to keep the public updated as more information becomes available.”
Further details emerged from a defense official who informed the AP that the helicopter originated from Fort Belvoir in Virginia. CNN added to the report with information from another defense official, clarifying that there were no VIPs on board the ill-fated aircraft.
